2025 Employment & Labor Law Seminar – Minneapolis Area

Join us for our annual Employment & Labor Law Seminar taking place on Wednesday, November 12. The seminar will address current issues and recent developments in employment and labor law.

Programming will kick off at 8:30 AM with a plenary session featuring legal updates across key areas: employment, labor, benefits, immigration, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Attendees will then participate in four rounds of breakout sessions, each offering targeted insights and practical guidance. We will end the day with a panel discussion about how companies are fostering civility, inclusion, and a positive culture, particularly in today’s politically and socially divisive climate. See session descriptions below to plan your day.

Cost: $175 per person. Group Discount: 30% off groups of 3 or more.

Questions? Contact events@lathropgpm.com

Register by Tuesday, November 4

• Decode the Alphabet Soup of Employment Law: A Practical Primer for Beginners

Beginner-friendly session covering the essentials of employment law—from FMLA, ADA and other disability laws, to FLSA, reasonable accommodations and more.

• Artificial Intelligence in Employment Law

Session exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping HR practices, from hiring, to performance management, and workplace monitoring. Discussion will cover the legal implications, key risks and how to spot algorithmic bias, plus implementation of best practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and legal compliance.

• Labor Law in 2025: Navigating a Shifting Landscape

This session considers how employers can best navigate trends in union organizing, collective bargaining, and labor relations and how collective/union activity may be affected by major changes rolling out from Washington D.C., as well as by a plethora of new and modified workplace laws across the country.

• The Employment Relationship – Part 1: The Beginning

Session focuses on common challenges that arise early in the employment relationship, from mishandled background checks and undisclosed criminal histories, to hidden non-compete agreements and failed negotiations, risks of “courtesy interviews,” and how to exit the hiring process when red flags appear.

• Navigating Employment Litigation

This session focuses on the fundamentals of employment litigation, walking attendees through the litigation process and discussing how that directly affects HR and others team members involved. Learn how plaintiff’s attorneys approach questioning and how documentation and communication can either protect or expose an organization.

• Benefits Breakdown: Ask Us Anything!

For attendees with questions on all things benefits, this is an opportunity to ask in an informal setting. This session does not have a formal presentation.

• The Employment Relationship – Part 2: Managing Employees

In the second part of this series, we will focus on managing employee performance issues while staying compliant with employment laws and maintaining fairness. This includes addressing underperformance effectively and documenting concerns in a way that supports both accountability and legal defensibility, and strategies for coaching, progressive discipline, and knowing when it’s time to escalate or exit the employment relationship.

• Navigating Complex Wage and Hour Challenges

This advanced session dives deeper into FLSA, exploring more complex compliance challenges and nuanced employer obligations. We’ll cover key areas such as employee classification, minimum wage, overtime pay and exemptions, recordkeeping requirements, and remote workers. Through real-world case studies, we will examine common pitfalls—like misclassification and off-the-clock work—and learn best practices for navigating evolving workplace scenarios.

• California Law Unplugged: Ask Us Anything!

For attendees with employees or operations in California, this is an opportunity to ask our local attorneys questions in an informal setting. This session does not have a formal presentation.

• The Employment Relationship – Part 3: The End

To wrap up this series, we will focus on navigating the often challenging process of ending the employment relationship, especially with high-risk or problematic employees. Topics include structuring termination meetings and letters, handling requests for personnel files, preparing for difficult conversations (including the rare but serious risk of physical retaliation), responding to demand letters or unemployment insurance inquiries, and how various employment laws interact.

• Navigating Complex Leave and Accommodation Challenges

This advanced session dives deeper into employer obligations under the FMLA, ADA, PWFA and other accommodations laws by exploring real-world case studies that highlight common pitfalls and best practices.

• I-9 Under Fire: Audits, Compliance, and Immigration Shifts

In today’s climate of heightened enforcement and rapidly shifting federal immigration policy, HR professionals must be prepared for anything—from surprise I-9 audits to navigating new travel restrictions. This session will cover best practices and practical steps that legal and HR teams can take to ensure compliance while minimizing disruption and reducing operational risk.

• Fostering Civility and Positive Culture

Dynamic panel discussion featuring leaders from companies recognized for their exceptional workplace cultures. Learn how these organizations are navigating today’s divisive climate while cultivating inclusive, respectful, and engaging environments. Panelists will share practical strategies for retaining talent, building a culture of belonging, and creating safe spaces where employees feel valued.

Credit Information
The following credit will be offered:

• Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
• Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
• Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM)

Credit is currently pending approval. Information, certificates, event codes and self-reporting instructions will be sent to attendees upon conclusion of the event.

Questions about CLE, SHRM or HRCI credit? Contact Allison Thomas, Professional Development & CLE Specialist